Among the desert landscapes of Arizona, forest weddings have carved a niche for themselves, offering a unique backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot in nature’s beauty. I LOVE forest weddings so much and Arizona surprisingly has a lot of amazing options! Being an Arizona wedding photographer, I have had the absolute pleasure of exploring these lush and loveable venues throughout the state. Now, I might be a tad biased (because I said ‘I do’ in one myself), but I promise you, the charm of these places is *irresistible*. Wedding planning can easily get overwhelming… so to help with your big-day planning I have rounded up the 6 BEST Arizona forest wedding venues and what they have to offer!

1. Aldea Wedding in the Woods

Located in the gorgeous Flagstaff forest, Aldea Wedding in the Woods offers a captivating setting for your special day. The open forest behind the ceremony site transforms into a lush blanket of wildflowers during the spring and summer! So it adds a magical touch of natural beauty and romance to your wedding vows. What’s more, Aldea is a full-service venue, providing a variety of vendors to reduce planning stress. The convenience factor is a big win – everything you need is on-site, cutting down on travel time between different locations, and ensuring a smooth and unforgettable wedding day. The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests and has a starting price of $20,000.

2. The Gathering Place in Pinetop

The Gathering Place is a beautiful venue located in the lush pine trees in Pinetop, Arizona! This gorgeous venue has a capacity of up to 175 guests and starts at $6,300 ($4,500 for micro-weddings). One thing to note, there is a bridal getting ready area but there is not an area for the other partner or groom to get ready in. But don’t let that discourage you because everything else is a breeze! A standout feature of this venue is its all-in-one convenience. Minimizing the need for stress and travel between different locations on the big day. The Gathering Place is a true gem for nature-loving couples and provides a variety of stunning photo opportunities!!

3. Nordic Village

Located in Flagstaff’s Coconino National Forest, Nordic Village is a woodland wonderland! With enchanting ceremony and reception sites starting at $5,000 or $2,770 for just the day. It’s technically a campground, not your typical wedding venue, so it’s WAY cheaper! BUT, you are responsible for bringing in all of your own vendors. The rental includes the use of their cabin for the night and a few tents/yurts for your adventurous guests. It’s an open forest canvas where you can create your unique forest fairytale wedding. The team here is awesome and super chill. However, because it’s not a full-service venue, having a wedding planner on board is a smart move to keep things stress-free. This is where we got married and obviously my favorite of the Arizona forest wedding venues (;

Photo Credit Kayla Esparza Photography

4. Schnepf Farms The Meadow

For the rustic forest wedding of your dreams, look no further than Schnepf Farms The Meadow in Queen Creek. With a starting price of $4,300 and room for up to 200 guests, this venue, surrounded by orchards and farm fields, offers a serene and picturesque setting. Schnepf Farms is a full-service venue, and all the amenities are conveniently listed on their website. They’ve got a cozy bridal getting-ready room with fantastic lighting(hello photographers dream)! There’s also a spot for the men to get ready in a tent! The moment you step onto the property, you’re transported out of Phoenix and surrounded by towering pine trees in every direction. It’s a pine-filled paradise close to the city that creates the perfect backdrop for your forest-inspired wedding.

Photo Credit Jaden Sonive Photography

5. The Arboretum at Flagstaff

The Arboretum at Flagstaff offers a forest-like garden experience for your wedding. With a capacity for up to 250 guests and a starting price of $1,500. The venue is simple and serene, surrounded by the forest, with a breathtaking mountain view behind the ceremony space. They’ve got a spacious area for the couple to get ready in, although I’ll be honest, not every nook is a photo-op. The reception space is under a tent, which is a fantastic backup plan if it rains on your wedding day! 

6. Cabins on Strawberry Hill

Nestled in Strawberry, Arizona, The Cabins on Strawberry Hill offer a quintessential forest retreat, featuring the rustic charm of cozy cabins. Surrounded by the serene Tonto National Forest, this venue emanates an intimate, tucked-away atmosphere, making it ideal for more quaint gatherings. It’s not just a venue; it’s a peaceful escape where you can savor the seclusion and tranquility of nature. With a capacity of up to 130 guests and a starting price of $17,500, it provides a charming haven for your special day.

Photo Credit Meg Brooke Photography

These Arizona forest wedding venues offer an array of captivating backdrops, charming atmospheres, and lush environments in a desert-filled state. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, these venues provide the perfect setting to exchange your vows in a beautiful location.

Ready to capture these magical moments?

Don’t forget to visit my website to book your Arizona wedding photographer or explore more of our work. Let’s turn your forest wedding dreams into beautifully captured reality!